Zhoushan Archipelago, China's only island-focused city, captivates with infinite coastal allure. Blue skies, emerald islands, golden sands, and white-capped waves define Zhoushan's aquatic hues. Characterized by its seas, fisheries, urban sites, islands, harbors, shipping lanes, and commerce, Zhoushan fuses island vistas, maritime culture, and Buddhist heritage.

Like shimmering pearls scattered across the vast ocean, Zhoushan's 1,390 islands beckon discovery. Shenjiamen in Putuo District is dubbed "Little Shanghai" and serves as a transit hub for accessing Putuo Mountain, Zhujiajian, and Taohua Island. At nightfall, indulging in seafood along Shenjiamen's waterfront while taking in the fishing port's illumination makes for a magical evening. 

Dinghai District on Zhoushan Main Island is one of the most developed areas west of Shenjiamen, with convenient transport and dining options as major assets.

Exploring Zhoushan's pristine shores, Buddhist temples, historic relics, and aquatic culture unveils this island paradise's natural splendor and rich heritage.

Consumption level

The main costs in Zhoushan are accommodation and transportation between the many islands. Expenses vary depending on which islands you visit. Dinghai, Dongji, Taohua, and Shengsi tend to be more budget-friendly, while Putuo is pricier.

Expect at least 400RMB per day per person during peak season. Opt for mid-range hotels on smaller islands to save money. Use public ferries over private boats for inter-island transit. Focus spending on top attractions like Mount Putuo or whale watching excursions.

By mixing cheaper islands with one or two highlights, budget travelers can experience Zhoushan’s coastal scenery and fishing village charm without breaking the bank. The islands offer beaches, seafood, temples, and nature at a reasonable cost. With proper planning, Zhoushan provides an off-the-beaten-path island-hopping adventure.

Best Travel Time

The peak season for tourism in Zhoushan Mountain is from June to October each year. Peach Blossom Island, East Pole, Mount Putuo, Zhujiajian, and Shengsi Islands are all summer vacation destinations in the archipelago. You can swim, watch the sea, blow the sea breeze, go fishing in the sea, and watch the sunrise. However, pay attention to sun protection. In the summer and autumn season (June September), tens of thousands of hectares of waves on the sea surface stir up huge waves, thrilling and roaring. Arriving at night is another kind of spectacle, with rows of waves shining in the darkness, dazzling. It is a fishing ban period, and seafood is more expensive than usual. If you are specifically interested in seafood, you can consider traveling in autumn and winter (October February). At this time, the shrimp and fish are delicious and the variety of seafood is diverse, making you dizzy.

History

Archaeological evidence confirms human activity in Lianyungang's ancient Mount Qushan and present-day Mount Jinping area as early as 10,000 years ago. In 1959 and 1978, the oldest Paleolithic sites in southeast China were discovered at Erjian and Daxian Village with clear stratigraphic layers. Mount Jinping has 19 Neolithic sites, with Erjian being one of China's earliest farming areas.

The 20-meter long, 10-meter wide "General Cliff Painting" discovered in 1979 was appraised by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage as "an extremely important cultural relic and rare major discovery, the earliest 'book' in China."

The Donghan era art treasure "Kongwang Mountain Grottoes Statues" are the earliest Buddhist grotto statues in China, 100-200 years earlier than the Dunhuang Grottoes, and protected at the national level.

The area is also steeped in history, with attractions related to Confucius' sea gazing, Emperor Qin's inspections, and famous poets and officials like Tao Yuanming, Li Bai, Su Dongpo, Shen Kuo, Li Qingzhao, Wu Cheng'en, Li Ruzhen, Wu Jingzi, Lin Zexu, Zhu Ziqing and more.

Medical treatment

Here is a suggested paragraph about medical care in Zhoushan, China for an English travel website:Medical Care in ZhoushanZhoushan's two main hospitals on the main island can meet most basic medical needs for visitors:Zhoushan People's Hospital739 Dingshen Rd, Dinghai District0580-2558299Zhoushan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital  355 Xinqiao Rd (300m east of the east gate gas station), Dinghai District0580-2612345These larger hospitals have facilities to treat common injuries and illnesses, and some staff speak English. While the medical technology may not be as advanced as in major cities, the two hospitals can provide adequate care for general health issues that travelers may experience during their stay. Do not hesitate to seek medical assistance if needed in Zhoushan.

Equipment

When at crowded places like train stations, bus terminals, and metro stations, keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent theft. Areas with high tourist traffic like Tiananmen Square also attract scammers, so tourists should be wary of unlicensed guides demanding money upfront. Avoid handing over any cash to solicitations on the street. Use registered taxi companies like the red Beijing taxis whenever possible. Keep valuables secured and hidden, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be alert in public transportation hubs and tourist sites. When needing assistance, go to authorized help points like the Beijing Tourist Information booths rather than individuals roaming the streets. Beijing is a generally safe city if simple precautions are taken. Report any incidents or suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police officer. They can also provide directions and other help. Enjoy sightseeing, but remain aware of the surroundings.

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